Veron Concert MM Vinyl Preamp (phono stage)
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/paulhynes/Phono1032.jpgThe Moving Magnet version of the Veron Concert Vinyl Preamp is now available.
This preamp has been specifically optimised to get the best out of moving magnet cartridges and uses two valve gain stages in a passive EQ configuration.
The input stage uses the 12AX7/ECC83 with an unusual cathode bias arrangement that gives grid bias performance without the additional negative voltage supply rail required for standard grid bias. The output stage uses the 12AU7/ECC82 with the same bias method as the input stage. Grid bias operation is the most open and naturally dynamic sounding method of using valves that I have found.
The anode load for each valve uses depletion mosfets which provide a constant current load for the valve anode and a low drive impedance for the following stages effectively isolating the valve from loading effects and improving the supply line noise rejection.
The power supply is split with the transformers, rectification, energy storage and custom DC heater regulator in a separate remote case that matches the preamp case. This keeps the noisy part of the mains power supply away from the sensitive preamp circuitry. The valve HT supply provides a separate very low noise, high performance voltage regulator for each valve stage and these regulators use my best regulator circuit topology. The input stage voltage regulators are fed from the output stage voltage regulators providing two layers of supply line interference rejection to the very sensitive input stages.
The input stage has a separate star ground from the output stage to reduce the effects of ground return current intermodulation between stages.
High quality components selected for musical compatibility are used throughout.
The overall gain at 1 KHz is around 40 dB and the noise level is exceptionally low due to the use of the four low noise HT regulators, the additional supply line isolation provided by the anode load and the low noise heater voltage regulator.
The input impedance is normally set for the typical load of 47K although a different value can be specified at time of order.
The above listed techniques provide a fine musical presentation with exceptional musical timing, a lifelike image size that remains stable under all dynamic signal swings and very low noise operation, allowing exceptional rendition of the subtle detail in the low level information to be revealed, even under large dynamic swings with complex musical arrangements.
The Veron Concert MM Vinyl Preamp costs £747 including the matching remote power supply and the DC power lead. Insured carriage and packing will be charged at cost and can be quoted once shipping destination is known. My usual return if not satisfied guarantee applies and a three year warranty on parts and labour excluding valves.
A matching grid biased valve moving coil (MC) head amp will be available in Spring next year. The same attention to detail is being applied to this during production engineering to ensure a really great musical performance.
I will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about these products.
Regards
Paul
